Veteran Passing Attack, Experienced Defense Fuel Schuylkill Valley’s 2026 Optimism
Schuylkill Valley enters the 2026 season with an experienced quarterback, proven playmakers and the belief that better health and improved depth can help the Panthers take another step forward.
Head coach Bruce Harbach begins his sixth season leading the program and his 50th season overall in coaching. The Panthers finished 5-6 in 2025, earning a berth in the District 3 Class 3A playoffs before falling to Trinity in the quarterfinals.
Three of Schuylkill Valley’s losses came by seven points or fewer, including a one-point setback against Lancaster Catholic and a seven-point loss to Annville-Cleona. With eight offensive starters and seven defensive starters returning, the Panthers have the experience needed to turn some of those close games into victories.
Aletras Returns to Direct the Offense
Senior quarterback Alex Aletras returns after earning first-team Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 5 honors in 2025.
The team captain completed 137 of 213 passes for 1,795 yards, 20 touchdowns and only six interceptions. His 64.3 completion percentage reflected his accuracy and decision-making throughout the season.
Aletras also rushed 83 times for 310 yards and two touchdowns. The Panthers expect him to become an even greater threat with his legs in 2026, adding another dimension to an already productive passing offense.
With nearly every important contributor returning, Schuylkill Valley believes its passing attack can become one of the strongest in Section 5.
Experienced Receivers Provide Speed and Versatility
Senior Alex Gehret headlines an athletic group of returning receivers.
Gehret earned first-team Section 5 honors at both wide receiver and defensive back. He caught 23 passes for 294 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 12.4 yards per reception.
Junior Anthony Batista provides additional versatility as a wide receiver, quarterback and defensive back. Senior tight end Hunter Durland gives the Panthers a large target at 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, while junior Seth Klinikowski, junior Grant Vogel and sophomore William Johns add depth and athleticism.
The combination of Aletras’ experience and the speed at wide receiver should allow Schuylkill Valley to attack every level of the field.
The Panthers also expect to create more explosive plays by getting the football to their athletes in space.
Ortiz Leads Talented Backfield
Senior running back Ervin Ortiz returns after contributing in nearly every phase of the game.
Ortiz rushed 37 times for 237 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. He also caught 11 passes for 95 yards and two scores.
His quickness and open-field ability make him a dangerous option as a runner, receiver and return specialist.
Schuylkill Valley believes its running backs possess both strength and speed. Establishing a consistent rushing attack will help take pressure off Aletras while giving the offense greater balance.
With Aletras expected to run more frequently, opposing defenses will have to account for multiple rushing threats on every snap.
Offensive Line Undergoing a Transition
The Panthers must replace several experienced linemen, including Nickolas Moyer, Nate Kier, Gabe Kier and Noah Sonon.
Senior center Spencer Mountz returns after earning second-team Section 5 honors and will provide leadership up front. He will be joined by senior Josh Lassandro, junior Keandre Powell and junior Jadion Adekola.
Powell brings excellent size at 6-foot-4 and 297 pounds, while the 6-foot-5, 267-pound Adekola gives the Panthers length and athletic ability at tackle.
Schuylkill Valley expects the line to be more athletic than in recent seasons, but younger players will have to develop quickly to create depth and keep the team’s two-way starters fresh.
Experienced Front Anchors the Defense
The strength of the defense should be a large and experienced front.
Mountz and Lassandro return on the interior alongside Powell, who gives the Panthers a powerful presence at defensive tackle. Adekola and junior Landyn Keglovits provide size and athleticism at defensive end.
The Panthers believe their front four can control the line of scrimmage, generate pressure and allow the linebackers to run freely to the football.
Schuylkill Valley was affected by injuries early last season, especially along the line. Staying healthy will be essential because several returning players are expected to contribute on both sides of the football.
Ortiz and Durland Lead the Linebackers
Schuylkill Valley must replace All-State linebacker Logan Cammauf, but the Panthers return several productive defenders.
Ortiz finished second on the team with 97 tackles, including 28 solo stops and 69 assists. He added 12 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception and a fumble recovery.
Durland returns at inside linebacker and should take on an even larger leadership role. Klinikowski also brings valuable experience to the unit.
The linebackers will be asked to play aggressively behind the Panthers’ large defensive front while limiting explosive plays and creating negative-yardage opportunities.
Replacing Cammauf’s production and leadership will be one of the defense’s biggest challenges.
Gehret Anchors the Secondary
Gehret is also the leader of Schuylkill Valley’s defensive backfield.
He finished third on the team with 73 tackles, including four tackles for loss, and tied for the team lead with two interceptions.
Johns, Vogel and several developing underclassmen will join Gehret in the secondary. Their speed and athleticism should give the Panthers opportunities to play aggressively in coverage.
With so many two-way starters, developing dependable depth will remain a major priority throughout the preseason.
Special Teams Could Be a Major Strength
Schuylkill Valley returns every key contributor on special teams.
Senior Reece Wamsher earned first-team Section 5 honors as a punter and also excelled as the team’s kicker. He converted 27 of 31 extra points and four of five field-goal attempts, including a long of 44 yards, while scoring 40 points.
His experience gives the Panthers confidence in close games and provides a reliable option when drives stall near the opponent’s goal line.
Ortiz and Gehret return as the primary return specialists. Ortiz averaged 25.5 yards on 12 kickoff returns and 15.8 yards on eight punt returns last season.
Klinikowski is back as the long snapper, while new special teams coach Danny Gassert will work to improve the kickoff and punt coverage units.
Players to Watch
Alex Aletras, Sr., QB: First-team Section 5 quarterback who threw for 1,795 yards and 20 touchdowns while adding 310 rushing yards.
Ervin Ortiz, Sr., RB/LB/KR: Dynamic all-around contributor who recorded 97 tackles, scored five offensive touchdowns and excelled as a return specialist.
Alex Gehret, Sr., WR/DB: First-team all-section performer on both sides of the ball who caught 23 passes and made 73 tackles.
Reece Wamsher, Sr., K/P: All-league specialist who made four field goals, including a 44-yarder, and converted 27 extra points.
Spencer Mountz, Sr., C/DL: Second-team all-section center who will anchor both the offensive and defensive lines.
Keandre Powell, Jr., OG/DT: Powerful 297-pound lineman expected to become a major presence in the trenches.
Jadion Adekola, Jr., OT/DE: Athletic 6-foot-5 two-way lineman who gives the Panthers size and potential on both sides.
Hunter Durland, Sr., TE/ILB: Physical veteran expected to contribute as a blocker, receiver and defensive leader.
My thoughts on Schuylkill Valley
Schuylkill Valley enters 2026 with the experience and talent to improve on last season’s 5-6 finish.
The Panthers return an accomplished quarterback, athletic receivers, productive running backs and several impact defenders. Their passing attack should remain a major strength, while the defense possesses the size needed to control the line of scrimmage.
The most important questions involve depth and health. Several players will be asked to contribute extensively on both sides of the football, and younger players must prove they are ready to provide quality varsity snaps.
If the rebuilt offensive line develops, the defense remains healthy and the Panthers improve their special teams coverage, Schuylkill Valley should be capable of competing near the top of Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 5 and returning to the District 3 Class 3A playoffs.
After several narrow losses in 2025, the Panthers enter the new season determined to finish games and turn their returning experience into a winning record.
Head Coach: Bruce Harbach, 6th season, 50th overall
Assistant Coaches:
Jeremy Crills DC
Tim Kier OL/DL
David Ortiz Hernandez RB’s
Dave Wickersham OL/DL
Steve Heck WR’s/OC
John Lorchak OL
Danny Voorhies DB’s
Danny Gassert Special Teams
Joe Bonfadini LB’s
Jeremy Grim RB’s/Head JV Coach
Team Name: Schuylkill Valley Panthers
2025 Record: 5-6
District: 3
Class: 3A
League: Lancaster-Lebanon League, Section 5
8/22 Muhlenberg (5A) 7:00 pm L 14-45
8/28 @ Daniel Boone (5A) 7:00 pm W 42-0
9/05 Fleetwood (5A) 7:00 pm L 24-31
9/12 @ Kutztown* (3A) 7:00 pm W 35-28
9/19 Pequea Valley* (3A) 7:00 pm W 34-6
9/26 Berks Catholic* (3A) 7:00 pm L 19-55
10/03 @ Columbia* (2A) 7:00 pm W 17-14
10/10 Hamburg* (4A) 7:00 pm W 31-13
10/17 @ Annville-Cleona* (3A) 7:00 pm L 7-14
10/24 @ Lancaster Catholic* (2A) 7:00 pm L 16-17
10/31 @ Trinity (3A) 7:00 pm L 7-35 Dist. 3 Class 3A Quarterfinal
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/28 @ Conrad Weiser (4A) 7:00 pm
9/04 Octorara Area (4A) 7:00 pm
9/11 Newport (2A) 7:00 pm
9/18 Columbia* (2A) 7:00 pm
9/25 @ Berks Catholic* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/02 @ Pequea Valley* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/09 Lancaster Catholic* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/16 Hamburg* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/23 @ Kutztown* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Annville-Cleona* (3A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Logan Cammauf, LB/LB
Brandon Pyle, RB/LB
Nickolas Moyer, OL/DL
Nate Kier, OL/DE
Gabe Kier, OL/DL
Noah Sonon, OL/DE
Offensive Starters Returning:
Alex Aletras, Sr, QB 6’2”, 185 1st Team Section 5 QB
Reece Wamsher SR, PK/P 6’ 170 1st team Section 5 Punter
Spencer Mountz SR C/DL 6’1” 255 2nd Team Section 5 Center
Hunter Durland SR TE/ILB 6’2” 225
Anthony Batista JR WR/QB/DB 6’2” 165
Alex Gehret SR WR/DB 5’11 165 1st Team Section 5 WR and DB
Ervin Ortiz SR RB/LB 5’7”, 170 2nd Team Section 5 LB
Keandre Powell JR OG/DT 6’4” 297
Seth Klinikowski JR WR/LB 5’11 180
William Johns SO WR/DB/LB 5’11” 190
Josh Lassandro SR OL/DT 6’3” 225
Jadion Adekola JR OT/DE 6’5” 267
Grant Vogel JR CB/WR 6’1”
Defensive Starters Returning:
Spencer Mountz SR DL 6’1” 255
Hunter Durland SR ILB 6’2” 225
Alex Gehret SR DB 5’11 165 1st Team Section 5 DB
Ervin Ortiz SR LB 5’7”, 170 2nd Team Section 5 LB
Keandre Powell JR DT 6’4” 297
Seth Klinikowski JR LB 5’11 180
William Johns JR DB 5’11” 190
Josh Lassandro SR DT 6’3” 225
Jadion Adekola JR DE 6’5” 267
Grant Vogel JR CB 6’1”
Landyn Keglovits JR DE 6’1” 215
Special Team Starters Returning:
Reece Wamsher SR PK/P 6’ 170 1st team Section 5 Punter
Alex Gehret SR Returner 5’11 165
Ervin Ortiz SR Returner 5’7”, 170
Seth Klinikowski JR Snapper 5’11 180
Key Newcomers:
James Santana JR WR/DB 5’11” 175
Weston McBride JR OG/DL 6’ 255
Daly Becht OL/LB JR 5’9” 180
Landyn Keglovits JR TE/LB 6’1” 215
Sebastian Bastista, SR WR/DB 6’1” 165
Pamboge Sarr SR RB/DB 5’9” 170
LeJin Hendricks JR WR/DB 6’1” 170 Transfer from Hempfield
Ian Moyer SO OG/DT 6’4” 397
David Drexel FR OG/DT 6’3” 240
Carter Fehnl FR OG/DL 5’10” 180
Lincon Miller FR OT/LB 5’10” 180
Reynaldo Torres FR OG/DT 6’3” 315
Frank Zampelli FR WR/DB 5’8” 150
Chad Heck FR WR/DB 5’8” 175
Jariel Lopez FR DB/WR 5’7” 155
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Alex Aletras, QB- Team Captain. Passing: Alex was 137 completions out of 213 attempts. 64.3 %. 1795 yards. 20 Touchdowns. 6 INT’s. Rushing: 83 rushes for 310 yards. 3.6 yards per attempt. 2 TD’s.
Alex Gehret, WR- Receiving: 23 catches, 294 yards (12.4 yards per catch), 2 TD’s. DB- Total Tackles: 73- Alex was 3rd on the defense in tackles. He had 15 solo tackles and 58 assists, 4 TFL. He was tied for the most INTs on the team with 2.
Ervin Ortiz, RB/KR- Rushing: 37 carries, 237 yards (6.2 yards per carry), 3 TD’s and 1 PAT. Receiving: 11 catches, 95 yards, 2 TD’s. Kick Returns: 12 KO returns, 306 yards (25.5 yards per return). Punt Returns: 8 returns, 126 yards (15.8 yards per return. LB- Total Tackles: 97- Ervin was 2nd on the defense in tackles. He had 28 solo tackles and 69 assists, 12 TFL. He recovered a fumble, had 1 sacks, and 1 INT.
Reece Whamsher, PK/P- Stats: 27-31 PAT’s. 4-5 FG’s, long 44 yards. 40 points total. 46 KO’s. 35 yard average. 1 TB
2026 Offensive Outlook: The passing game should be strong with all but one starter returning, plus our QB returns. We will be more athletic up front than in previous years. Big front 4 on defense. RBs are strong and can run. Good speed at RB and WR positions. QB will be more of a threat to run the ball. Young players are working very hard and are very competitive. Return 8 on Offense and 7 on Defense.
2026 Defensive Outlook: We were hit hard by the injury bug early last season. Not a whole lot of depth on both sides of the ball, especially with the line. Some of our younger players will have to step up and play early in the season. Too many 2-way players and we will have to find younger players to give them a break. Young at some spots on both sides of the ball. Must replace an All-State LB. As always, must stay healthy.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: Special team will be in good hands with all of our players back, including Reece Whamsher, All-League punter and kicker. Should be solid with the addition of Danny Gassert as our new Special Teams coach. Must improve our kickoff coverage and punt coverage. Good speed with our returners.